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Responsible tourism

Responsible tourism: Japan backpacking tour

Environment

We are committed to ensuring that the tours do not negatively impact on the destinations and the communities benefit from the tourism.

Before departure, all travelers are provided with information about responsible travel. We encourage all travelers to take a reusable water bottle so that unnecessary plastic is not wasted. We also inform traveler of water shortages and how to minimize water wastage, by taking shorter showers and by using hand sanitizer in areas where water is scarce. We ask that travelers are responsible with litter. When trekking, routes are pre-planned and limit unnecessary erosion.

Our company is dedicated to keeping our wastage to a minimum. We are environmentally responsible and recycle waste products. We use fair trade products and recycled paper. We also offset carbon emissions in our office (gas,electricity, business mileage) and encourage all participants to offset their flight emissions via a carbon offset scheme run in conjunction with Tree Aid. We are also committed to the reduction of single use plastic in the office.

On the tour, only public transport, such as buses, overnight trains and boat, used which ensures that the groups carbon footprint is kept as low as possible.

The group use local hostels that have been thoroughly checked before the tour arrive. The group board sleeper trains and boats, which means that by combining accommodation and transport, the group can keep their environmental impact to a minimum.

We actively discourage the participation of groups in activities that exploit both wild and domestic animals and look to promote charities that look after animals ethically.

Tour guides promote greater integration between travellers to our destinations and local people. We also ensure that tour guides work with local communities to ensure that tours do not impact negatively on the area. All travellers are encouraged to get rid of their litter and to avoid buying or using single use plastic such as straws, coffee cups, plastic bottles, shopping bags.

Community

Our tours are designed to offer travelers the opportunity to see incredible sites and to experience unique experiences. We aim to give travelers the opportunity to try new skills and to learn more about the destination's culture so that they gain personally. We are also committed to ensuring that the tours do not negatively impact on the destinations and the communities benefit from the tourism.

This tour is affordable and is perfect for backpackers. Group sizes are typically 20 and travel by public transport. All overnight stays are either at local hostels or on overnight trains. This feeds into the local economy and reduces pollution caused by tour buses. The tour stops at major tourist hot spots but also visits lesser-known destinations, which means smaller communities are able to benefit as travelers spend money in local shops and restaurants.

Local restaurants, cafes and bars are promoted to help the local communities and to give travelers a more authentic experience. Local guides are used which creates jobs within the community. They are paid fairly and use their expertise to help create the itinerary. They have access to leadership opportunities.

Before departure and during the briefing at the start of the tour, cultural sensitivity is promoted . We emphasize the importance of showing respect for local people and their customs. A kit list is also provided so that travelers are aware of what clothing is culturally appropriate in Japan. Participants will work alongside permanent staff, forming close bonds and getting an insight into real life in Japan